58 GRAINS OF GROWTH Based in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, Bert Sabourin, General Manager at Sandtastik Products Ltd. Talks to Craft Focus about supplying customers globally with their sand based product ranges Tell us a little bit about the company. Where are you based? When did the company start? We’re a manufacturer of high-quality coloured sand and play sand, supplying customers across the globe. Our company employs 17 team members year-round, including several who have been with us since the early days. For more than 35 years, Sandtastik has been committed to producing safe, premium sand products. We offer more than 85 vibrant colours of sand, all manufactured to meet strict safety standards. In addition to coloured and play sand, we produce Model ’N Mold sand in four colours, as well as specialty products such as fruit fly food and butterfly food. In addition to our core product lines, Sandtastik operates as a custom packaging facility, packaging a wide range of granular materials in sizes from one ounce and up. This flexibility allows us to support private label programs and meet specialised customer requirements across multiple industries. Who founded the company and why? The company was founded when a customer sought a safe sand product to accompany the sandboxes they were selling. The founder identified a safe and reliable solution, and from that single request, the business steadily grew into the global brand it is today. From the beginning, safety and quality have been central to everything we do. How has the company evolved? Over the years, Sandtastik has expanded beyond the children’s market into the floral and professional craft industries. In the past two years, we’ve also entered the pottery sector, proudly representing Cerámica Collet of Spain and expanding our presence in the ceramics market. This growth has allowed us to serve a broader creative community while building on our manufacturing expertise. What do you specialise in? We specialise in manufacturing safe, high-quality coloured sand and play sand products. As a manufacturer, we maintain full control over production, quality assurance, and product development. Talk us through the current products you’re particularly excited about. Do you have a favourite? Coloured sand and play sand remain at the heart of our business and continue to be customer favourites. However, we’re especially excited about the growth of our pottery clay line, which represents a dynamic and expanding segment of our company. The good response from the ceramics community has been very encouraging. Hobby & crafts have boomed over the last two years. Have you noticed any new trends? We’ve seen a noticeable increase in hobby participation, particularly among retirees. Pottery, in particular, has experienced strong growth as more individuals seek creative and hands-on activities. There’s also continued demand from educators and hobbyists who value quality, reliable creative materials. How would you advise a retailer who is interested in stocking your products? Our advice is simple: listen to your customers. Focus on quality, stock products that meet genuine needs, and view your vendors as partners in your business. Strong, loyal supplier
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